The Sports Xchange

TAMPA — Consider the roll call of first-round quarterbacks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had during their history: Doug Williams, Steve Young, Vinny Testaverde, Trent Dilfer and Josh Freeman.

Three of them won Super Bowls and one is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But no quarterback in club history has made it to a second contract with the Bucs.

Perhaps that’s why – considering Florida State’s Jameis Winston and Oregon’s Marcus Mariota are available — general manager Jason Licht suggested this was a rather large draft for the Bucs as they prepare to make the No. 1 overall pick.

“Personally, I think it’s probably the biggest draft in the history of the organization,” Licht said. “We’ve got a real chance to really put us over the top and get us to the level that we think we’re going to be at this year, which we think is competing for a championship. It’s a great draft, and it’s a great draft to have the No. 1 pick.”

A week before the draft, Licht and coach Lovie Smith said the Bucs have reached a decision. They know which player they are taking No. 1 overall on April 30. “Yes we are. We’re in total agreement,” Smith said. “As a staff, not just Jason and I.”

The Glazers have signed off on the top player on their board as well.

“Going all the way back to (the NFL scouting combine) in Indianapolis, we said we had a leader in the clubhouse,” Licht said. “We still do. If we had to pick today, we’d feel very comfortable making that pick. With that said, we’ll wait.”

All signs point to the Bucs selecting Winston.

As recently as Thursday, Erica Kinsman filed a civil suit accusing Winston of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and intentionally inflicting “emotional distress” during their December 2012 off-campus sexual encounter in Tallahassee. The lawsuit comes after multiple investigations ended without criminal charges for Winston, who has maintained his innocence.

The Bucs say nothing in the civil suit is new, nor will it affect their decision. They also say they have done exhaustive investigation into Winston’s background. “A lot isn’t a big enough word,” Licht said.

From the start, the Bucs have been focused on drafting a quarterback. Winston operated in a pro-style offense. He played under center, he checks protections, reads coverage and throws with accuracy and anticipation. On the field, there were always more questions about transitioning to the NFL for Mariota, who played almost exclusively in the shotgun, never called a play in the huddle and benefited from the Ducks’ spread option system.

Once the Bucs were satisfied that Winston wouldn’t be too much of a risk off the field, this became a football decision. The BB guns, the crab legs, a vulgar obscenity shouted in the student union – all were not forgiven but chalked up to a lack of maturity.

Winston would seem to be the most likely pick for the Bucs.

But what kind of team is he coming to? Licht and Smith missed badly last season on high-priced free agents such as quarterback Josh McCown, tackle Anthony Collins and defensive end Michael Johnson. “We ripped off some band aids,” Licht said of releasing those players.

The change of philosophy with respect to free agency was to sign low-priced players to mostly one-year make-it deals, players that have a history of success in the Tampa 2 system.

The Bucs signed former Bears safety Chris Conte and defensive tackle Henry Melton. Conte will replace Dashon Goldson, who was traded to the Washington Redskins. Melton gives the Bucs another inside pass rusher who played for the Cowboys a year ago.

The Bucs also addressed the middle linebacker position by signing Cowboys free agent Bruce Carter, who led all linebackers last year with five interceptions. Finally, the team struck a trade with the Lions for defensive end George Johnson, who had six sacks last season.

The Bucs haven’t addressed the offensive line, which appears to be their biggest need after the first pick. They also could use another edge rusher or two as well as a possible slot receiver.

2014 Record: 2-14, 4th in NFC South

First Draft Pick: #1 Overall

BEST FIT: QB Jameis Winston, Florida State

Winston is a plug-and-play quarterback who has demonstrated a high football I.Q. and understanding of a pro-style offense. He has above average arm strength and throws with anticipation, which will help the Bucs’ offensive line. His deep-ball accuracy is elite, which will benefit wide receivers Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. And the Bucs love his leadership and competitiveness.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Quarterback: The Bucs have third-year pro Mike Glennon, who is 5-18 as a starter and looks like a career backup. In a division with Matt Ryan, Drew Brees and Cam Newton, they are severely out-gunned each Sunday. With some big receivers such as Evans, Jackson and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, they need someone to get them the football.

2. Tackle: The Bucs may have a tough time protecting any quarterback this season unless they address the tackle position. One possibility is to move Demar Dotson from right tackle to the left side, as they did the final three games last season. Regardless, the cupboard is bare. Kevin Pamphile, entering his second year, is a prospect but only a mid-round pick.

3. Defensive end: Smith’s Tampa 2 defense only works if it can get pressure on the quarterback with a four-man rush. But the Bucs haven’t had a player with double-digit sacks in a season since – get this – Simeon Rice in 2005. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy needs help. Now.